Experts warn that corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India's mining, metals, and infrastructure sectors will not drive long-term transformation unless they align with national priorities and engage local communities. With CSR spending surpassing ₹15,000 crore annually, the emphasis is on accountability and community ownership. Pavan Kaushik, a sustainability advisor, highlighted that the mandated 2% CSR spending must be matched with comprehensive accountability to create sustainable outcomes. The South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) has invested over ₹850 crore in CSR since 2014, focusing on skill development, education, and healthcare in coalfield regions. Experts agree that while funding is available, the lack of community ownership poses the greatest challenge. CSR initiatives must connect with local needs, such as education and healthcare, and be driven in consultation with host communities to ensure success. The government has called for a CSR framework to promote responsible practices in the coal sector, urging companies to quantify their efforts for community benefit and business sustainability.